Oh, no! Yep, this year it's your turn to conceive, organize, recruit volunteers, and administer your organization's biggest fund raiser. Every year fund raising ideas help thousands of communities across America raise millions of dollars for schools, sports teams, fraternal organizations, Scouting programs, charitable organizations and churches. Fund raising projects span a wide range, from selling lollipops and candy bars to donkey basketball and kissing the pig contests. Coming up with profitable fund raisers can be a tough process.
Do not lose sight of the two primary goals of fund raisers: to make money for your organization and to have FUN. Many people, both young and old, grow weary of fund raising projects and simply give up. Do not consider this option! Find a fund raiser that will not only make a profit, but will also excite and stimulate the volunteers or participants. Build in fun goals, offer fun incentives, take and display oodles of pictures (everybody likes to see their picture), and plan fun wrap-up activities--a barbecue, touch football game, Frisbee golf, swimming party, etc.
Fund raising projects can essentially be broken down into two broad categories: brochure fund raisers, and direct sale fund raisers. Brochure fund raisers are relatively profitable, fairly simple to organize, and almost risk-free since you do not have to purchase any products for resale. You can offer a vast array of products (from Christmas wrap and tulip bulbs, to magazine subscriptions and CDs) via color brochures to your family, friends, neighbors and business associates. It's also recommended that fund raisers offer their brochures in the general business community.
Direct sale fund raising involves selling products like candy bars, cookie dough or pizza kits. We are all familiar with thin mint chocolate cookies and Boy Scout popcorn. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of distributors and vendors pushing a huge selection of products and programs to groups who are looking to raise money for a specific cause. And they are easy to find using the Internet.
The BIG question: how do you decide? That's entirely up to you and your group. There is no single answer, no "one size fits all" solution to that fund raising question. Do you expect active involvement from all the members of your organization (like a car wash), or will a few volunteers be expected to do a lion's share of the work? Fund raising events vary in cost, complexity and the final results are based on a host of factors that may be difficult to control--for example, there is no ice on the lake for your planned ice fishing derby or it pours rain on your car wash.
The most important tip--keep the FUN in your fund raising! Show appreciation to all portions of your organization and support base. Blend in food and fun--use a cake walk to sell a portion of your donated goods at a bake sale, for example. And you can't say thank you often enough to your supporters and participants.
Whether you are selling Krispy Kremes for your church group or running a "dunk tank" at the local fair to support the volunteer fire department--best wishes for big profits!
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing information and valuable resources on a variety of timely topics. For a carnival booth full of resources, tips, and suggestions about fund raising, visit http://www.FundRaisingFolks.com
